As a cybersecurity consultant who specializes in personal safety and privacy, I’ve seen a disturbing rise in cases of Apple AirTags being misused for stalking, harassment, and vehicle theft. While AirTags are incredibly useful for keeping track of your own belongings, some individuals use them to secretly monitor others without consent.
If you suspect someone may have hidden an AirTag in your car to track your location, this comprehensive guide will help you understand the risks, recognize warning signs, and find any concealed AirTags. I’ll share expert tips gained from assisting clients with this exact scenario.
What is an AirTag and How Does It Work?
Apple AirTags are small, coin-sized tracking devices that use Bluetooth and ultra-wideband technology to help locate lost items. You attach them to frequently misplaced belongings like keys, wallets, or luggage. If the item goes missing, the Find My app on your iPhone, iPad or Mac shows you the AirTag’s current or last known location. For more details, check out our in-depth AirTag review.
AirTag Features and Functionality
- Emits a secure Bluetooth signal detectable by nearby Apple devices
- Plays a sound after being separated from owner for 8-24 hours. Learn more about why your AirTag might be beeping.
- Does not contain a microphone or record audio. According to this source, AirTags cannot hear conversations.
- Features a user-replaceable CR2032 coin cell battery
- Is water and dust resistant (IP67 rated)
- Can be customized with emoji, initials or numbers
How AirTags Use the Find My Network
AirTags don’t have their own GPS or cellular connection. Instead, they leverage Apple’s vast Find My network, which includes nearly 1 billion Apple devices worldwide. When an AirTag is in Lost Mode, any Apple device that comes within Bluetooth range (~30 ft) can detect the AirTag and report its location back to the Find My app – all anonymously and encrypted for privacy.
This allows AirTags to provide location tracking over a much wider area than a single device’s Bluetooth range. As long as the AirTag passes by another Apple device, you can see its updated whereabouts from anywhere. Learn more about how AirTags work without WiFi here. However, this feature also enables AirTags to be exploited for tracking people unknowingly.
Why Would Someone Hide an AirTag in Your Car?
While Apple promotes AirTags as a helpful way to find lost items, the small trackers are increasingly being misused in the following ways:
Stalking and Domestic Abuse
In domestic violence situations, abusers may hide an AirTag in a victim’s car to secretly monitor their location at all times. This enables stalking, isolation from support systems, and restricting a victim’s movements. AirTags’ low cost and ease of use has sadly made this tactic more accessible to abusers.
Vehicle Theft
Thieves looking to steal a particular high-value vehicle may place an AirTag on the target car to track it to a vulnerable location. Once the owner parks somewhere isolated or unattended, thieves can then steal the AirTag-tracked vehicle. The small size makes AirTags easy to hide on a car’s underside or in crevices. Learn more about AirTags and bike theft or AirTags and motorcycle theft.
Spying and Harassment
AirTags enable general spying on someone’s whereabouts and patterns through their vehicle’s location. An ex-partner, obsessive acquaintance, or anyone wishing to secretly monitor a person’s activities could place an AirTag on the victim’s vehicle to constantly check their location and movements.
Although using AirTags to track people without permission is both illegal and against Apple’s policies, it unfortunately still occurs given the availability and tracking range of AirTags. By understanding the risks and methods, you can proactively check for and disable any hidden AirTags in your vehicle.
Signs an AirTag May Be Tracking You
Here are some key indicators that an unknown AirTag may be tracking your location via your car:
Automatic iPhone Notifications
If you have an iPhone running iOS 14.5 or later, it will automatically notify you if an AirTag that’s not yours is “moving with you” over time. You’ll see a pop-up like “AirTag Found Moving With You“. Tapping the alert provides a map of where the AirTag has been detected traveling with you.
Audible AirTag Alert Sounds
As a theft deterrent, AirTags are designed to play a loud chirping sound when separated from their owner for an extended period (between 8 and 24 hours). If you consistently hear these alert chimes from inside or around your vehicle, an AirTag is likely present.
Using NFC Scanner Apps
Android users can download NFC (near-field communication) scanning apps that detect AirTags in close proximity. Popular options include the NFC Tools app and Apple’s own Tracker Detect app for Android, which can identify nearby AirTags and display any unknown ones.
Conducting Regular Manual Scans
Make a habit of routinely scanning your car for unexpected AirTags. On an iPhone, go to the Find My app, tap Items, then tap and hold the top-center “Identify Found Item” option. Hold your iPhone near areas of your car where an AirTag could hide.
If your AirTag is not working or connecting during this process, troubleshoot the issues before continuing your search.
How to Locate a Hidden AirTag in Your Vehicle
Once you know an unwanted AirTag is present in your vehicle, follow these steps to find it:
1. Listen for AirTag Sounds
If the AirTag has been away from its owner long enough to trigger sound alerts, carefully listen inside and around your car to identify where the chirps are loudest. You can also use the Find My app to remotely trigger the sound on a detected unknown AirTag.
2. Use the Find My App
Open the Find My app and go to the Items tab to see any unknown AirTags moving with you. Select the suspicious AirTag for more information. If you’re close enough, it will display an estimate of the AirTag’s distance and direction relative to you. Move around your vehicle using these clues to pinpoint the AirTag.
Troubleshoot here if your AirTag’s location is not updating accurately in Find My.
3. Try Bluetooth Scanning Apps
Several phone apps can scan for and locate nearby Bluetooth devices, which may help zero in on the AirTag’s position more precisely than Find My. Apps like BLE Scanner, LightBlue, and BT Scanner can provide approximate locations and signal strength details to aid your search.
4. Search Your Car Methodically
Perform a thorough manual search of your car’s interior. Check under seats, inside seat pockets, in door compartments, under floor mats, and behind sun visors. Because AirTags are small, they can easily be slipped into tight spaces like between seats or in crevices. Be sure to check the glovebox, center console, and trunk/cargo areas too. Here are some of the best places an AirTag might be hidden in a car.
5. Check the Vehicle Exterior
Remember to inspect your vehicle’s exterior as well. Magnetic key holders or phone mounts can be modified to conceal an AirTag and then stuck to a car’s underside or frame. Look behind bumpers, inside wheel wells, around exhaust pipes, and anywhere else an AirTag could fit.
6. Remove Interior Panels if Needed
For an extremely thorough search, you may need to temporarily remove certain interior pieces like trim panels, door sills, or under-dash components. Consult your vehicle’s manual or instructional videos to safely disassemble and reassemble these parts if needed to check behind them.
By combining electronic scanning techniques with physical searching, you should be able to track down even the most covertly placed AirTag inside or outside your vehicle. Regularly sweep for AirTags if you have ongoing concerns about tracking.
What to Do If You Find an Unknown AirTag
If your search uncovers an AirTag planted in your vehicle without your consent, take the following actions:
1. Disable the AirTag Immediately
Twist counterclockwise on the AirTag’s back panel and remove the battery to stop it from tracking your location. Without power, the AirTag can no longer update its position or connect to the Find My network. Store it in a safe place as evidence.
2. Document All Details
Take clear photos of the AirTag from all angles, capturing any unique details or identifiers. Write down where and when you found it on your vehicle. If you received any notification on your phone about the AirTag, take screenshots of those as well. This documentation helps create a record of the incident.
3. Contact Law Enforcement
Report the discovery of the unauthorized tracking device to your local police department. Provide them with the AirTag, the documentation you collected, and any potential suspects who may have placed it. Law enforcement can attempt to trace the AirTag’s owner and investigate further for any stalking or harassment claims.
4. Inspect Your Vehicle Closely
After finding the AirTag, carefully examine your car for any signs of tampering, forced entry, or damage. Check the locks, windows, and ignition for indications of attempted theft. Look for fingerprints, scratches, or other evidence of unauthorized access to your vehicle. If found, document it and inform the police.
5. Remain Vigilant
Continue monitoring your vehicle and personal property for any additional tracking devices or unusual activity. Sweep your car for AirTags on a schedule, and stay aware of your surroundings. Trust your instincts if something doesn’t feel right, and don’t hesitate to seek help if you feel unsafe. Consider investing in additional security measures like surveillance cameras where you park.
6. Take Preventative Security Measures
To protect against AirTag tracking, adopt preventative habits:
- Park in busy, well-lit areas near video cameras when possible
- Use a steering wheel lock or kill switch to deter theft
- Install an alarm system or GPS tracker on your vehicle
- Inspect your vehicle before entering
- Consider using an AirTag detector card or AirTag-blocking products
- Be cautious about sharing your location and movements
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can an AirTag track me if I don’t have an iPhone?
A: Yes, an AirTag can still update its location via nearby iPhones and iPads even if you personally don’t have an Apple device. Any Apple device within Bluetooth range can anonymously report the AirTag’s position back to the Find My network.
Q: How long does an AirTag battery last?
A: According to Apple, an AirTag’s user-replaceable CR2032 battery lasts about a year with regular use before needing to be replaced. Battery life varies with usage and environmental conditions.
Q: How close does my phone need to be to detect an AirTag?
A: The precise range varies, but iPhones can generally detect an AirTag within 30-50 feet in ideal conditions. Obstacles between the devices will reduce this range. You may need to move around your vehicle while scanning to come within range of any hidden AirTags.
Q: Do AirTags make noise constantly?
A: No, an AirTag will only begin chiming after it has been separated from its paired device for between 8 and 24 hours. The alert sounds then occur at random intervals as a privacy feature to notify anyone nearby of the AirTag’s presence.
Q: How do I block unauthorized AirTags from tracking me?
A: Currently, the only ways to prevent unwanted AirTag tracking are physically finding and disabling the devices, or using AirTag detection and blocking products. You can’t universally block AirTags from detecting your location otherwise, as they rely on nearby Apple devices.
Q: Can AirTags track a vehicle’s real-time location and movement?
A: AirTags update their location whenever they come within range of an iPhone or iPad connected to the Find My network. While this doesn’t provide true real-time tracking, it can show a vehicle’s path and last detected location to the AirTag owner. The more densely populated an area is with Apple devices, the more frequent the AirTag location updates.
Q: Are there alternative tracking devices besides AirTags?
A: Yes, several other tracking products exist that work similarly to AirTags, including Tile, TrackR, and Samsung SmartTag. However, AirTags have the unique advantage of tapping into the extensive Apple device network for wide-ranging tracking coverage. The steps in this article apply mainly to AirTags.
Q: What are the legal penalties for tracking someone with an AirTag?
A: Penalties vary by jurisdiction but may include criminal charges like stalking, harassment, or invasion of privacy. Consult local laws or contact law enforcement for guidance on specific situations. Even if legal consequences don’t apply, using an AirTag to track someone without consent violates Apple’s terms of service.
Q: How can I tell if an AirTag is registered to me?
A: In the Find My app on your iPhone or iPad, tap the Items tab. Any AirTags paired to your Apple ID will appear in the list. If you find an unknown AirTag and want to check if it’s yours, tap and hold the top of your iPhone to the white side of the AirTag. A notification should appear with the AirTag’s serial number and registration details.
Key Takeaways
- Apple AirTags provide an inexpensive and effective way to track items over a wide area, but can also be misused to stalk or monitor others without consent.
- Common signs you may be tracked by an AirTag include iPhone notifications, frequent chirping sounds coming from your vehicle, and unknown AirTags appearing in scanning apps.
- If you suspect an AirTag is hidden in your car, use the Find My app and scanning tools to search common hiding spots inside and outside your vehicle. Physically look in cracks, crevices, and compartments where the small device could be concealed.
- When you find an unauthorized AirTag, immediately remove the battery to disable it, document the details, and report it to law enforcement.
- Stay vigilant for additional AirTags or unusual activity around your vehicle. Take precautions like parking in secure areas, using additional anti-theft measures, and periodically sweeping your vehicle for trackers.
Although AirTags are immensely helpful when used properly, their powerful tracking abilities can be exploited by those with malicious intent. By recognizing the warning signs and thoroughly checking your vehicle, you can find and disable any unauthorized AirTags planted on your car.
Combined with increased awareness and preventative security steps, you can protect yourself from the risks of AirTag stalking. Drive with confidence knowing you can spot the signs and take action against hidden trackers.
